Skip to main content

CollegeVine Expert FAQ

Explore our collection of admissions FAQs. Each answer is expert-approved by our team to help you reach your goals.


What opportunities can a 1140 PSAT score open up for me?

Juniors, how are you handling your college prep? Got my PSAT score, it’s a 1140, and I'm curious what this could mean for my college applications next year. Can a score like this stand out, or does it …

2 years ago

What's a good PSAT score range for freshmen aiming high?

Hey folks, need some advice! Got a 940 on my PSAT as a freshman and wondering if I'm on the right track? How can I use this score to gauge my performance for future standardized tests, and what should …

2 years ago

Is it possible to edit my Common App essay topic after submission?

Hey folks, I'm freaking out a bit here. I submitted my Common App to a few colleges already, but I've had this nagging feeling that I chose the wrong essay prompt. Can I change my essay topic for the …

2 years ago

What's the process for obtaining your PSAT access code?

I seem to have misplaced my PSAT access code, and now I'm not sure how to move forward with checking my scores. Does anyone have experience with retrieving their code? Please share your insights. Than …

2 years ago

PSAT Participation - Mandatory or Optional?

Hey there! I'm trying to plan out my sophomore year, and I’ve got a quick question - is taking the PSAT mandatory? Do all students have to take it, or can you choose to opt-out? What would I miss out …

2 years ago

Required to take the PSAT before the SAT?

Hey guys, quick question – is it a must to take the PSAT before you take the SAT? Or can you just go straight to the SAT without any issues? Trying to plan my test taking strategy and I'm not sure how …

2 years ago

Sending PSAT scores to my dream schools

Hey people, so I'm feeling good about my PSAT results, and I was wondering how I go about sending my PSAT scores to colleges? Is that even a thing or do schools not really look at PSAT scores? Any cla …

2 years ago

How can I effectively express my motivation for higher education in my college essay?

I need to start working on my college essay and I'm seriously pondering over how to convey my true motivation for wanting a college education. It’s more than just getting a degree for me. How do I put …

2 years ago

Homeschooler looking to register for the PSAT

Hey guys! I'm a homeschooler and I've been trying to figure out how to sign up for the PSAT. Is it different for those of us not in a traditional school setting? Any advice or steps I need to follow w …

2 years ago

Is it possible to submit applications one at a time through the Common App?

Hey everyone, I'm just a bit anxious about making sure each application is perfect. Can I submit my applications one at a time through the Common App, or do I have to send them all at once once I'm do …

2 years ago

How Much PSAT to SAT Score Improvement is Typical?

As I'm prepping for the PSAT, I can't help but wonder about the bigger picture for college admissions - the SAT. For those who've been through it, how much improvement from PSAT to SAT scores is commo …

2 years ago

PSAT Essentials: What should I bring on test day?

So the test is coming up and I'm a bit nervous. Can anyone tell me what I definitely need to bring with me for the PSAT? I want to make sure I don't forget anything important.

2 years ago

Time Allocation during the PSAT Test

I'm prepping for the PSAT and trying to figure out time management for the actual test. How long do you typically have for each section or the test as a whole?

2 years ago

Common App ID, where can I find it?

I'm filling out scholarship forms and some of them are asking for my Common App ID. I've been through my profile, but can't seem to find where this number is located. Could someone point me in the rig …

2 years ago

Optimal time for taking the PSAT?

So I'm trying to plan ahead and I'm wondering, when's the best time to take the PSAT? Should I wait until my junior year or is it cool to give it a shot in sophomore year as well?

2 years ago

PSAT: To take or not to take?

As a junior, I'm juggling a lot of activities and studying for my classes. I'm wondering, is taking the PSAT really necessary? Do colleges care about it or is it primarily for scholarship consideratio …

2 years ago

Common App: Parent 1 vs Parent 2 Designation?

Hi folks! Quick question as I start filling out my Common App - is there a difference between who I list as Parent 1 and Parent 2? Do colleges care or is it just for the application's organizational p …

2 years ago

What exactly is covered on the PSAT?

Hey everyone, just trying to get a clearer picture of what the PSAT includes. Are there specific topics or types of questions I should be focusing on during my study sessions? Also, how similar is it …

2 years ago

How much freedom do I have with my college essay topics?

I'm just starting to brainstorm for my college essays and I'm slightly freaking out about picking the 'right' topic. Real talk, how much leeway do I actually have? Can I get creative or do colleges ex …

2 years ago

PSAT Timing: When does it usually start?

This might be a dumb question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer online — what time does the PSAT typically start? I'm trying to plan my schedule and just want to make sure I'm prepped and re …

2 years ago
Displaying questions 171501-171520 of 178042 total
About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.